BIG, Gehry Partners, and Perkins&Will among the five firms vying to design the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy in D.C.
By Josh Niland|
Friday, Apr 14, 2023
The U.S. Navy just unveiled five concept proposals for a planned new Naval museum in the nation’s capital.
Designs from BIG, Gehry Partners, DLR Group, Perkins&Will, and Quinn Evans will compete for the chance to deliver the official National Museum of the U.S. Navy at Washington, D.C.’s Naval Yard district. The project is being managed by the Navy’s Naval History and Heritage Command, which includes a vetting process from veterans and the broader American public.
A press statement said: “The Navy envisions a future museum that would offer greater public access that could include a new building and the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. The planned museum campus would consist of approximately 270,000 square feet and include about 100,000 square feet of net gallery space.”
Out of 37 that submitted project submissions, the Navy selected five project proposals. View renderings of each proposal below.
Design proposal by Perkins&Will
Design proposal by Gehry Partners
Design proposal by DLR Group
Design proposal by BIG
Design proposal by Quinn Evans
Retired rear admiral and current NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox added, “The concepts unveiled today are a crucial step in exploring what is possible for the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy. We’ll tell the story of the Navy’s history as it continues to unfold, and the ideas developed by our finalists herald a new way of honoring that history by inviting visitors to participate.”
"These ideas and concepts show what might be possible for a new museum," the museum’s Acting Director, Charles Swift, said finally. "We have a number of steps we need to complete before determining a final design, and that first step is having a conversation with America: our Navy, our veterans and our nation, about what we’ve presented today.”
For more information on the museum project, click here.
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7 Comments
jimblake · Apr 14, 23 6:47 PM
They are ALL garbage on first overall look - too busy, too flashy - they all look like temporary world's fair buildings. No gravitas in any of these schemes. The U.S. Navy deserves better.
Gary Garvin · Apr 14, 23 9:35 PM
I'm surprised there isn't a SOM standard in the mix.
I'd be curious to hear what Cox and the Navy have to say about this. We'd learn something about shifts in national mood from one of its stalwarts. Drawing crowds, however, must be a large factor in selection and may lead them to the trendy and out-there designs.
I'm guessing they go for Perkins & Will, which I don't dislike.
Gary Garvin · Apr 14, 23 10:36 PM
Why I hate BIG (part 23):
La Vie Urbaine · Apr 15, 23 7:46 PM
"Drawing crowds, however, must be a large factor in selection and may lead them to the trendy and out-there designs."
Tell me you don't know anything about museum design without saying you don't know anything about museum design. News flash: architecture isn't what draws crowds to museums. It's the story, and what's on display. It's pretty clear to me, at least, that getting large things in and out of the building is a priority. As to how the Navy intends to tell its story, I'm not certain, but I can see a lot of hints.
"they all look like temporary world's fair buildings"
Get your eyes checked. Lazy hot takes are for Twitter. Adults talk here.
CC Chiang · Apr 17, 23 1:20 AM
Well, SOM already did the Army Museum - looks like the Navy wants a different voice.
miesian · Apr 17, 23 5:05 PM
uhh is that Gehry caption correct? Is Frank okay?
pandahut · Apr 18, 23 7:05 PM
All GARBAGE.
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